Named after the World Marathon Major, the Adidas Boston is an established trainer for speed training and racing. It has a similar setup as its racing counterpart, the Adidas Adios Pro however the Boston is cheaper, more durable and more widely available.

The Boston 13 is an incremental update but there are some notable changes that you should be aware of. This article will tell you which version is better suited to you.

Both versions have a dual-density midsole with Lightstrike Pro on the top and Lightstrike 2.0 on the bottom. Lightstrike Pro is softer and more lively while Lightstrike 2.0 is denser and more durable.

The main difference between the two versions is that the Boston 13 has more Lightstrike Pro and less Lightstrike 2.0 than the Boston 12. This results in a softer and more energetic ride than the 12.

The Boston 13 has the faster and more comfortable ride. Not only is it softer than the 12 but it’s also lighter and returns more energy thanks to the extra Lightstrike Pro in its midsole. It has more long-distance comfort because of its softer ride.

They don’t have plates in their soles but they have Energy Rods 2.0 made of fibreglass. The rods stiffen the midsole to make it snappier and more propulsive. The Boston 12 has a stiffer forefoot than the 13 because it has more of the firm Lightstrike 2.0 in its forefoot. This makes it more snappy than the 13.

The Boston 12 is more stable than the Boston 13. This is due to its firmer midsole which exhibits less lean bias so foot strikes feel more planted in the 12.

There’s less Continental rubber on the outsole of the Boston 13 to save weight. This means that the 12 has better traction than the 13 and it also has better outsole durability than the 13.

The Boston 13 has a much better upper than the 12. The main difference is that the tongue of the 13 doesn’t slide down during runs and cause any discomfort due to its semi-gusseted nature. The 13 also has an updated collar and heel tab which are padded. This makes it more comfortable around your ankles and improves the heel lockdown.

Both versions fit true to size however they have the typical Adidas narrow midfoot and toe box so they are not recommended for wide footed runners. The Boston 12 is slightly wider than the Boston 13.

The Boston 13 is the more well-rounded trainer with no major weaknesses. It has the more comfortable upper, the more energetic ride and the lighter build. It’s easier to go fast in the Boston 13 and it also feels more comfortable during long runs. The Boston 13’s upper feels more premium and more polished.

Get the Boston 12 if you prefer a firmer ride with more stability. It also has the more durable outsole so you’ll be able to get more mileage out of it if you’re hard on outsoles. If you prefer a more spacious upper, the Boston 12 might be more comfortable for you even though it has less padding and some tongue slide.